CONTROL METHOD FOR SORTING DEVICE

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce subsequent article charging time by composing a device to discharge charged articles to an upstream end of a carrying conveyor from each sorting position to a side part of the carrying conveyor by moving a first and a second sorting units which are capable of reciprocating from the upstream side of the carrying conveyor to sorting positions downstream it in order. SOLUTION: On a carrying surface of a charging belt conveyor 1, charge position marks 1A are formed for supplying articles 9 at a specified interval. The articles 9 from the charging belt conveyor 1 are deflected to the right or left side of a carrying conveyor 3 by lateral slide of a shoe 2A while they move on a right and left distribution conveyor 2 downstream to be delivered onto the carrying conveyor 3. The carrying conveyor 3 is provided with chutes 50 ...52 N+1 comprising free rollers. Plural discharge parts 4 are provided on the right and left side along a carrying direction. For discharging the article 9 to a designated chute, a first and a second sorting units 6A and 6B are provided to be freely capable of running and reciprocating along the carrying conveyor 3.